For the eighth straight season, the NFL is heading into the postseason and the Broncos are without a ticket.
After finishing the 2023 season with an 8-9 record, the Broncos will get the No. 12 pick in the draft. Do they go after a quarterback? Do they look to fill one of their other needs?
Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated Jan. 8
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Heisman Trophy winner exploded for a big season with terrific speed and athleticism along with big-play passing flair, making him a first-round-worthy dual threat. The Broncos can start over for Sean Payton here as they work to get out of Russell Wilson’s contract. See the full mock draft.
Barstool Sports | Steven Cheah | Updated Jan. 8
Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
Von Miller left the team years ago. Shaq Barrett left to be the NFL’s leading sacker in 2019. Bradley Chubb got traded to Miami. A once proud position in Denver now has Nik Bonnito and Jonathon Cooper, who have flashed, especially Bonnito, but you’ve got to have a hard time lining up across from Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert and feeling confident in your rush. Laiatu Latu is a big, intimidating rusher at 6’5″ and 265 lbs. and coming off of back-to-back double digit sack seasons for the Bruins. Sean Payton has always showed an affinity for bigger EDGE players dating back to Cam Jordan, Marcus Davenport, and Payton Turner, so I like the Latu fit here. See the full mock draft.
Bleacher Report | Staff | Updated Jan. 8
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The Denver Broncos appear ready to move on from Russell Wilson. If that’s the case, they should release the veteran quarterback with a post-June 1 designation to ensure they aren’t paying more than expected for him going into the 2024 season. To offset Wilson’s $35.4 million dead salary-cap charge, investing in a rookie signal-caller would be the smartest path forward for Denver. However, head coach Sean Payton almost certainly doesn’t want to start over from scratch with a first-year QB who can’t handle his offense. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. would provide a solid middle ground as he continues to ascend draft boards. See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Josh Edwards | Updated Jan. 8
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
In the wake of the Russell Wilson news, it is rather clear that Denver will be pursuing other options at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is a leader who can come in and provide some hope. See the full mock draft.
Pro Football Focus | Trevor Sikkema | Updated Jan. 8
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Quarterback is the Broncos’ top need, but it’s hard to justify that here after five are off the board. (I believe Nix, Penix and Daniels will certainly be Broncos targets). Turner has the best combination of size, speed and production in this year’s edge rusher class, sporting a 90.6 pass-rush grade on true pass sets over the past two seasons. See the full mock draft.
USA Today | Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz | Updated Jan. 8
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Aidan O’Connell tossing two touchdowns in the regular-season finale should serve as a reminder that this secondary still is a problem. At 6-2 and 185 pounds with the fluidity to stick with receivers at every level of the field, Wiggins would make for an imposing cornerback tandem with Patrick Surtain II. See the full mock draft.
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